LIAM BERRY REPORTS ON WOLVES DEFEAT TO BOURNEMOUTH
Wolves lost to fellow relegation battlers AFC Bournemouth today in a disappointing match at Molineux.
Julen Lopetegui made two changes from the side who beat Southampton last weekend, with suspended Mario Lemina being replaced by Adama Traore, and a straight swap between Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno on the left side of the defence.
Pedro Neto who is still building up his fitness after returning from injury, was left out of the squad after being named on the bench at Southampton, with Toti Gomes also not making the matchday 19 squad.
Gary O’Neil brought in Marcus Tavernier for Jaidon Anthony in his only change to the Bournemouth line-up following their impressive 1-1 draw against Newcastle.
The game started off in Wolves’ favour, with the home side holding majority of possession.
A swift attacking move saw Matheus Cunha enter the opposition box, only for him to collide with Jefferson Lerma, but any penalty shout was quickly waved away.
A scramble in Bournemouth’s penalty area nearly put the leaders ahead, but the ball didn’t drop to an Old Gold shirt.
Despite the good start from Wolves, Bournemouth still looked threatening on the counter, with a few breaks which thankfully led to nothing.
A slightly misplaced long ball from Matheus Nunes to Traore looked to be heading out of play, only for the Spanish winger to pull off a skilful touch to keep it in play, which lit a spark in the crowd. The home side couldn’t capitalise on this moment as his cross was cleared.
Traore seemed to be at the heart of everything good going forward today, as he made a lightning quick run through the Bournemouth team, only to be brought down by Philip Billing in what was the first card of the game.
The half time whistle came, with both teams so far unable to find the back of the net.
And the second half started off badly for the hosts, with a cross from Dominic Solanke met by Tavernier who was easily able to divert it into the back of the net.
Wolves looked to reply with a goal of their own, and it nearly came through Cunha, who is yet to score for the club, but the striker couldn’t meet Traore’s cross.
As the match went on, Bournemouth slowly and slowly killed the game off, taking the opportunity for some timewasting when Wolves were having a good spell.
A half chance for Craig Dawson came from a set piece, but the veteran was unable to put his effort on target.
A corner in injury time fell to Ruben Neves, and it was close to another stellar moment for Wolves, but his powerful shot from outside the box was comfortably saved by Neto.
The full time whistle went and Tavernier’s goal was enough to give the Cherries the full three points.
Wolves still sit 15th, but the gap between the bottom three is now shorter, and with three tough opponents coming up, Lopetegui’s men will be hoping to master one or two upsets to steer well clear of the drop-zone.
ARTICLE BY LIAM BERRY
I am a life long Wolves fan that is passionate for the club. I am a sixth form student who loves writing about things I love!